Single-molecule height measurements on microsomal cytochrome P450 in nanometer-scale phospholipid bilayer disks

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 May 14;99(10):6725-30. doi: 10.1073/pnas.062565599. Epub 2002 May 7.

Abstract

The architecture of membrane proteins in their native environment of the phospholipid bilayer is critical for understanding physiological function, but has been difficult to realize experimentally. In this communication we describe the incorporation of a membrane-anchored protein into a supported phospholipid bilayer. Cytochrome P450 2B4 solubilized and purified from the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum was incorporated into phospholipid bilayer nanostructures and oriented on a surface for visualization by atomic force microscopy. Individual P450 molecules were observed protruding from the bilayer surface. Problems associated with deformation of the protein by the atomic force microscopy probe were avoided by analyzing force-dependent height measurements to quantitate the height of the protein above the bilayer surface. Measurements of the atomic force microscopy cantilever deflection as a function of probe-sample separation reveal that the top of the P450 opposite the N-terminal membrane anchor region sits 3.5 nanometers above the phospholipid-water boundary. Models of the orientation of the enzyme are presented and discussed in relation to membrane interactions and interaction with cytochrome P450 reductase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases*
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / chemistry*
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Membranes / chemistry*
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / chemistry*
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / metabolism
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanotechnology
  • Phospholipids / chemistry*
  • Phospholipids / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Rabbits
  • Steroid Hydroxylases / chemistry*
  • Steroid Hydroxylases / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Lipoproteins, HDL
  • Phospholipids
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Steroid Hydroxylases
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases
  • steroid 15-alpha-hydroxylase